PRN Surg Tech-First Asst

About the role

Functions as the surgeons’ assistant, working directly under his/her supervision throughout the procedures. Assists the nurse, surgeon, anesthesiologist and/or CRNA in the care of patients in the preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative phase.

Responsibilities

• Performs technical skills required to prepare for surgical procedures.
• Aids other perioperative team members in the care of the surgical patient.
• Provides direct patient care, identified and meets patient needs under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Auxiliary in the perioperative care of patients and perform duties as assigned.
• Absorbs the needs of the patient as related to specific surgical procedures and collects supplies and equipment as related to the procedure.
• Promotes a safe environment conducive to the patient’s well-being.
• Observes for potential patient complications and reports observations to the Registered Nurse.
• Auxiliary in scheduling OR cases, recording information, and revising and updating surgeon preference cards via the information management system.
• Able to utilize the electronic medical record when applicable.
• Functions in Central Reprocessing: decontamination of instruments, preparation of instruments for sterilization, demonstrates skill in the use of all equipment within CRP and maintains records for all equipment in accordance with policy/ procedure.
• Utilizes proper positioning of the patient with consideration of patient’s comfort and safety points of pressure padded without impairment of circulation.
• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings.
• Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissues.

Requirements

• Current Surgical Technologist Certification through ONE of the following boards: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), National Center for Competencies Testing (NCCT), American Allied Health Association (AAHA).
• Must have ONE of the following certifications: Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA), Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C) through the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA).
• Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification within 30 days of hire.
• Two (2) years of progressive clinical scrub experience in a CST role.

Qualifications

• Recommendation from three (3) different multi-specialty surgeons to validate skill competency.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to perform concentrated and complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and highly technical situations.
• Ability to work successfully under stressful condition, and must be capable of adapting to varying workloads and work assignments on a constant basis.
• Comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge/scrub skills for all surgical specialties.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Ability to lift up to 40-pounds and push/pull heavy loaded carts up to 200 lbs.
• Visual, hearing, and oral acuity along with manual dexterity and technical ability.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment and lead for extended periods of time.